Trending Now

You are here

Louis Henry Carter Jr.

Louis Henry Carter Jr., 71, of Lake Kiowa, Texas, formerly of Poteau, died Monday, June 3, 2013.A committal service with full military honors was held Friday, June 7, at Fairview Cemetery with a memorial following at Geo. J. Carroll and Son Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Don Yeager officiating. On Jan. 29, 1942, a boy was born in a small log cabin in Cameron. From that day, the lives of thousands would be touched over the next 71 years. Louis Carter, known as “Coach Carter,” graduated from Poteau High School and went to junior college in Poteau. He joined the National Guard, going to Officer Candidate School. Following his training, he went to Southeastern in Durant where he played football and received a degree in art. His biggest achievement there was meeting the love of his life, Jimmye Carol Dawson. They were married Nov. 25, 1964, moved to Gainesville, Texas, in 1968, and had a daughter, Misty, and son, Chad. During his military service, he entered the Army Reserves and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He spent his summers at Fort Chaffee, Ark., where in 1975 and 1980 he was in charge of housing and care for southeast Asia refugees and Cuban exiles. After this he was assigned to FEMA. His last active duty was in 1990, during Desert Storm, followed by his retirement after 33 years.From 1968-2000, Louis was well known at Gainesville High School. He coached football, basketball and golf for his first seven years. After that he continued to teach art and coach golf. Louis’s best stories usually came from some of Gainesville’s ex-students and athletes. Though he retired in 2000, he never stopped teaching or coaching those of all ages. Louis is survived by his wife, Jimmye Carter; daughter and son-in-law, Misty and James Shepard; brother, Roy Robertson; sisters, Verna Ward and Erma Crowder; grandchildren, Kym Carter, Keela Carter and Brady Shepard. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Robertson; father, Louis H. Carter Sr.; brother, Jerry Robertson; and son, Chad Carter. You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com.